Airway obstruction following application of cricoid pressure

The widely practiced rapid-sequence induction with application of cricoid pressure is designed to facilitate endotracheal intubation in patients considered to be at high risk of aspiration. We describe a case in which this maneuver was performed on a patient with an undiagnosed traumatic injury to the larynx. The resulting airway obstruction required emergency surgical intervention. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of such injuries are discussed.